Holiday Overview
Enjoy some of the best things California has to offer on this amazing road trip. Commence in San Francisco, home to Alcatraz and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, before venturing into Californian wine country and the alpine resort of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy time in Yosemite with its stunning landscapes before visiting Death Valley, the worlds hottest place. Turn back to the coast and the metropolis of Los Angeles before finishing your adventure in laid back San Diego.
Start: San Francisco / End San Diego (can be done in reverse)
US States you will visit: California
Highlights of this trip are:
- Stunning natural beauty in Yosemite Park, Lake Tahoe & Death Valley
-San Francisco - One of the US most interesting and cosmopolitan cities
- Los Angeles - Hollywood, Beverley Hills and beautiful beaches
- Vibrant, yet mellow San Diego
California Fly Drive includes:
- Return flights from the UK
- 2 nights accommodation San Francisco
- Compact Car with Gold Cover - Unlimited mileage, Full tank of fuel, 3 additional drivers, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), $1 million liability coverage, Zero excess in the USA
- 1 night wine country accommodation
- 1 night Lake Tahoe accommodation
- 2 nights Yosemite accommodation
- 1 night Death Valley accommodation
- 2 nights Los Angeles accommodation
- 2 nights San Diego accommodation
Day 1 - UK San Francisco
Take the transatlantic flight to San Franciso. Check into your chosen hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure
Featured accommodation
Hotel Whitcomb
Enhance your experience
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Day 2 - San Francisco
A full day to explore San Francisco and all it has to offer, options include Alcatraz Island (we strongly recommend pre booking this), Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, or head just out of town crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to the charming village of Sausalito
Featured accommodation
Hotel Whitcomb
Enhance your experience
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Unmissable Experiences
San Francisco Experiences
Day 3 - San Francisco - California Winelands
Pick up your rental car and take the short drive to the Napa/Sonoma wine region. Perhaps visit a vineyard or two and enjoy the area's fine cuisine and wine pairing opportuities
Featured accommodation
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country
Day 4 - Lake Tahoe
Continue inland to Lake Tahoe where California and Nevada meet, discover this pristine jewel of nature surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Featured accommodation
Hotel Becket, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Day 5 - Yosemite
Turn South and head to the High Sierra Mountains of Yosemite, famed for its sheer granite cliffs, waterfalls and giant Sequoia Trees.
Featured accommodation
Yosemite View Lodge
Day 6 - Yosemite
Enjoy a full day exploring the natural beauty of Yosemite. Take one of the many trails or drive to one of the lookouts to marvel at the vistas
Featured accommodation
Yosemite View Lodge
Day 7 - Yosemite - Death Valley
Onwards to Death Valley. Sitting at 86 metres below sea level, Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the world, a land of rugged beauty and extremes
Featured accommodation
Death Valley Inn
Day 8 - Death Valley - Los Angeles
Today return to the Pacific Coast and Los Angeles, an exciting metropolis that needs no introduction
Featured accommodation
Andaz West Hollywood
Enhance your experience
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
Day 9 - Los Angeles
Spend a full day in Los Angeles. Perhaps visit one of the famous theme parks, or take a drive around Beverley Hills and Hollywood for some star spotting. Induldge in some retail therapy or maybe enjoy some time on one of the cities many beaches
Featured accommodation
Andaz West Hollywood
Enhance your experience
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Los Angeles Experiences
Day 10 - Los Angeles - San Diego
Continue South to the lad back city of San Diego, famous for its beaches, theme parks and zoo. Tonight perhaps visit the entertainment centre of the Gas Lamp Quarter and check out the great restaurants and bars.
Featured accommodation
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Enhance your experience
The US Grant
Day 11 - San Diego
A full day of leisure in San Diego. Enjoy the beach, cuisine and laid back Californian lifestyle.
Featured accommodation
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Enhance your experience
The US Grant
Day 12 - Return to the UK
Spend the last day at leisure, before dropping your car at the airport for the homeward flight.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Timeless yet modern, The Westin St. Francis Union Square has a vibrant, iconic destination in San Francisco. The only hotel directly located on Union Square, with cable cars stopping just outside the doors. All of the city’s best shopping, theatre, nightlife and dining options are just steps away, and just a short walk from the Financial District, Chinatown and Moscone Convention Center. $45 million renewal completed April 2018 of the Landmark Building guest rooms and corridors including new furnishings that are designed to incorporate a brightened and natural relaxing palette. The newly renovated rooms and corridors are truly a breath of fresh air and a welcome rejuvenation of a storied landmark in its second century.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country
Centrally located in one of the most beautiful regions of Northern California, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country awaits you. Nestled within two 18 hole championship golf courses, the hotel features roses, vines and the Chef’s herb garden, echoing the Sonoma Wine Country surroundings. Relax in the open lobby in front of the fireplace, or grab a glass of wine and enjoy the outdoor patios, then retire to a spacious guest room.
Hotel Becket, Trademark Collection by Wyndham (California)
This is where adventurers come for thrills, families bond at the fire, and lovers come to escape. This boutique hotel places you in Heavenly Village near all the good-stuff of South Lake Tahoe. It’s where like-minds meet to shop, dine and discover the world as they know it. Pets are welcome to join you, groups love our set up, and breakfast is free. Even better.
Yosemite View Lodge Holidays
The Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, CA provides luxury accommodations just steps away from the entrance to the national park. The 335 rooms and suites are meticulously appointed and amenity rich, offering the perfect setting for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Most rooms are set along a spectacular stretch of the Merced River, featuring dramatic views from balconies and outdoor spas.
Death Valley Inn
Located at the site of the historic Burro Inn Motel, the Death Valley Inn Motel is the best place to stay, whether you are visiting Death Valley National Park, traveling along Highway 95, or just trying to get away from it all!
Andaz West Hollywood, Los Angeles Holidays
As the first hotel on the Sunset Strip, Andaz West Hollywood attracted legendary rockers in the mid-60s. It now serves as an eclectic gateway to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and other fashionable neighborhoods. Elevate your LA experience at this iconic property reimagined for modern day.
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, Los Angeles
Since opening in 1928, this legendary property has been the preferred address for celebrities, royalty and the international elite — and it’s easy to see why. Located at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire puts you in the enviable heart of Beverly Hills, with designer shopping, fine dining and postcard-worthy views at our doorstep.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, San Diego Holidays
This Polynesian-themed resort, only 8 miles from San Diego International Airport, offers casual elegance with palm trees, lush vegetation, tiki torches, koi ponds, waterfalls, and exotic birds that like to strike up conversations with guests. With Mission Bay as its backyard and the Pacific Ocean across the street, there's no better choice among Pacific Beach San Diego hotels.
The US Grant, San Diego Holidays
Distinguished by quiet glamour and enduring sophistication, THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego has welcomed guests for over 100 years. Nestled in downtown San Diego, in the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, the hotel provides an ideal location to explore the city.
Image Gallery
San Francisco
San Diego
Los Angeles
Yosemite
Death Valley
Los Angeles
Santa Monica
San Diego
San Diego
Pacific Beach San Diego
Lake Tahoe
Death Valley
Sonoma
Yosemite
Yosemitie
Golden Gate Bridge
Alcatraz
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0069 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
USA Road Trips
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
- 7 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Pismo Beach
- Monterey / Carmel
- Yosemite National Park
- San Francisco
USA Road Trips
Canyon Adventure Fly Drive Holiday
- 7 Nights
- Las Vegas
- Bryce Canyon
- Moab
- Mesa Verde
- Grand Canyon
USA Fly Drive Holidays
California Fly Drive
- 11 Nights
- San Francisco
- Sonoma
- Lake Tahoe
- Yosemite National Park
- Death Valley
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
USA Road Trips
Blues & Booze USA Road Trip
- 12 Nights
- Chicago
- Indianapolis
- Louisville
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Vicksburg
- New Orleans
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Wild West Fly Drive Holiday
- 15 Nights
- Denver
- Cheyenne
- Rapid City
- Cody
- Jackson
- Salt Lake City
- Moab
- Durango
- Colorado Springs
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Best of New England Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Boston
- Portland Maine
- Bar Harbor
- White Mountains
- Killington
- The Berkshires
- Mystic
- Yarmouth MA
USA Self Drive Holidays
Talkin' Texan Self Drive Holiday
- 12 Nights
- Dallas
- Austin
- Fredericksburg
- Bandera
- San Antonio
- Corpus Christi
- Houston
USA Road Trips
Boston to New York By The Beaches Road Trip
- 8 Nights
- Boston
- Yarmouth
- Martha's Vineyard
- Mystic
- Riverhead
- The Hamptons
- New York
USA Road Trips
A Southern Trail Road Trip
- 10 Nights
- New Orleans
- Baton Rouge
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
- Houston
- Austin
USA Self Drive Holidays
The Classic West Self Drive Holiday
- 13 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Laughlin
- Grand Canyon
- Kayenta
- Lake Powell
- Bryce Canyon
- Las Vegas
- Death Valley
- Yosemite National Park
- Lake Tahoe
- San Francisco
USA Self Drive Holidays
Great Lakes Inn-Sider Self Drive Holiday
- 12 Nights
- Chicago
- Door County
- Middleton
- Winona
- Minneapolis
- Bayfield
- Marquette
- Mackinac Island
- Saugatuck
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 Fly Drive Holiday
- 15 Nights
- Chicago
- St Louis
- Springfield
- Oklahoma City
- Amarillo
- Albuquerque
- Holbrook
- Williams
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Western Trails
- 14 Nights
- Salt Lake City
- Lava Hot Springs
- Boise
- McCall
- Coeur d’Alene
- Whitefish
- Helena
- Yellowstone
- Jackson Hole
- Casper
- Cheyenne
- Denver
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Legends and Landscapes of the Old West
- 13 Nights
- Denver
- Cheyenne
- Deadwood
- Minneapolis
- Badlands
- Fargo
- Bismarck
- Medora
- Casper
- Buffalo WY
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Best of the Great American West
- 20 Nights
- Rapid City
- Deadwood
- Medora
- Sheridan
- Billings
- Helena
- Whitefish
- Butte
- Yellowstone
- Cody
- Riverton
- Jackson
- Ketchum
- McCall
- Boise
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Giant Trees and Ancient Forests Road Trip
- 5 Nights
- San Francisco
- Chester, CA
- Lake Tahoe
- Oakhurst
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Explore Kentucky
- 7 Nights
- Newport, KT
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Paducah
- Owensboro
- Louisville
USA Self Drive Holidays
Best of Florida Self Drive Holiday
- 9 Nights
- Orlando
- Clearwater
- Naples
- Miami
USA Road Trips
Coasts and Mountains of the South Road Trip
- 7 Nights
- Atlanta
- Asheville
- Charlotte
- Myrtle Beach
- Charleston
- Savannah
USA Road Trips
Wild Wild West USA Road Trip
- 12 Nights
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Tucson
- Las Cruces
- Santa Fe
- Durango
- Kayenta
- Williams
- Las Vegas
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Florida Keys Fly Drive Holiday
- 7 Nights
- Miami
- Islamorada
- Key West
- Key Largo
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 East
- 15 Nights
- Chicago
- St Louis
- Springfield
- Tulsa
- Oklahoma City
- Dallas
USA Self Drive Holidays
Volcanic Peaks to Sparkling Shores Self Drive
- 9 Nights
- Portland
- Astoria
- Port Angeles
- Seattle
- Ashford
- Welches
- Grants Pass
- Coos Bay
USA Road Trips
Historic Cities of the Mid-Atlantic Road Trip
- 11 Nights
- Washington DC
- Baltimore
- Philadelphia
- Gettysburg
- Luray
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Florida Keys Fly Drive with New Orleans
- 9 Nights
- New Orleans
- Miami
- Islamorada
- Key West
- Key Largo
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Florida Keys Fly Drive with New York
- 9 Nights
- New York
- Miami
- Islamorada
- Key West
- Key Largo
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Historic Cities and Coasts of the South
- 12 Nights
- Atlanta
- Charleston
- Savannah
- Jekyll Island
- Cape Canaveral
- Miami
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Quebec to New England Adventure
- 14 Nights
- Montreal
- Stowe
- White Mountains
- Ogunquit
- Boston
- Green Mountain National Forest
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Great North Music Tour Fly Drive
- 12 Nights
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Pittsburgh
- Philadelphia
- New York
- Boston
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 Best of the West
- 14 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Palm Springs
- Kingman
- Williams
- Holbrook
- Santa Fe
- Chicago
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 West
- 17 Nights
- Dallas
- Oklahoma City
- Amarillo
- Santa Fe
- Albuquerque
- Holbrook
- Flagstaff
- Kingman
- Los Angeles
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Only in America
- 14 Nights
- Newport, KT
- Louisville
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Paducah
- Memphis
- Nashville
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Chattanooga
- Atlanta
USA Fly Drive Holidays
San Antonio & Texas Hill Country
- 9 Nights
- San Antonio River Walk
- San Antonio Hill Country
- Bandera Dude Ranch
- San Antonio
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Utah's Red Rocks and Canyons
- 12 Nights
- Las Vegas
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon
- Torrey
- Moab
- Kanab
USA Self Drive Holidays
Northwest Inn-Sider Self Drive Holiday
- 13 Nights
- Friday Harbor
- Whidbey Island
- Port Townsend
- Cannon Beach
- Portland
- Eugene
- Ashland
- Eureka
- Sonoma
USA Road Trips
Mountains and Canyons Fly-Drive
- 14 Nights
- Denver
- Glenwood Springs
- Moab
- Kayenta
- Page
- Williams
- Las Vegas
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Wonders of Alaska Fly Drive Holiday
- 7 Nights
- Anchorage
- Seward
- Talkeenta
- Denali National Park
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Eastern Canada and New England Discovery
- 15 Nights
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Boston
- New York
- Washington DC
- Niagara Falls
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Cowboys & Cajuns
- 13 Nights
- Houston
- Lake Charles
- Lafayette
- Houma
- New Orleans
- Baton Rouge
- Natchitoches
- Dallas
- San Antonio